Becoming a massage therapist in Alberta can be a rewarding journey, providing a career choice that offers flexibility and reflects your passion for health and wellness!
How to Become a Massage Therapist in Alberta
In Alberta, becoming a massage therapist involves a structured educational process and meeting specific licensing requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting there:
Enroll in an Accredited Massage Program
Look for a licensed private vocational school, like the Alberta Institute of Massage (AIM). Attending a reputable school will help ensure you meet industry standards and get a quality education.
Complete Required Training
Most programs offered are about 2,200 hours of study and cover core subjects like anatomy, physiology, professional ethics, massage techniques, and hands-on practice. AIM’s programs are comprehensive, fun and interactive, and are designed to prepare you thoroughly for a profession in a career that makes a difference!
Programs offered in Alberta typically vary in length and are usually delivered in first- and second-year terms of study. AIM graduates receive a Certificate upon completion of their first year and an Advanced Diploma upon completion of their second year.
Check out our Massage Programs for more details on available courses.
Join a Professional Association
After completing your training, it is essential to understand the regulatory landscape in Alberta. While there has been much work dedicated to this topic, the province of Alberta does not yet have regulation. Many employers and professional associations, however, will require you to meet certain standards.
Membership in an association like MTAA (Massage Therapists Association of Alberta), or another recognized association, is required by insurance providers as well as most employers so that clients claim their treatments under their insurance benefit policies. Your membership also reflects your level of professionalism and provides member benefits as well.
Find a Job or Set Up a Practice!
Whether you want to work in a clinic, spa, or set up your own practice, Alberta has options. Gaining professional experience is key! Many Massage Therapists start their careers in health and wellness centers, spas, medical offices or some may open their own businesses.
Continuing Education and Specialization
It doesn’t end with graduation! The exciting field of Massage Therapy is always evolving, with new techniques and research emerging. To stay competitive and provide the best care for your clients, it’s essential to pursue continuing education, and you are going to want to! Once that passion for wellness is ignited, there is a hunger for more.
Many therapists choose to specialize in areas like trigger point therapy, cupping, sports massage, prenatal, etc., and many expand their horizons and build upon their skill set by training in other modalities such as Craniosacral Therapy, Osteopathy, Touch for Health, Reflexology, Somatic Training, Yoga etc. You can see how a Massage Therapist can easily craft a specialty and broaden their career opportunities.
Why Choose the Alberta Institute of Massage?
It’s not just a cliché; choosing the right school is truly crucial to your success as a massage therapist.
The Alberta Institute of Massage, commonly known as AIM, has been graduating exceptional massage therapists since 1994, that’s 30 years! We can certainly attest to the success of our programs and the quality of our instructors and staff.
AIM is licensed through the Alberta Government as a private vocational school and we have a high graduation and employment rate (Good job, AIM!). We are extremely proud of our graduates and their accomplishments.
Embarking on a career in massage therapy can be both fulfilling and lucrative! By following the steps outlined above, choosing a reputable school for your training and the right association to support you, you will be well on your way to a successful career making a difference in lives through the wonderful practice of massage therapy!
Want more info on "How do I become a massage therapist?"
If you are curious and exploring your options, you can Book a Discovery Session to Learn More and see if this career path is right for you.
Feel free to reach out with questions! Embarking on a career in massage therapy can be both fulfilling and lucrative.
AIM for Success with the Alberta Institute of Massage!
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